Argentina-Saudi Arabia, World Cup 2022: live TV, formations,

ARGENTINA – SAUDI ARABIA | Tuesday, 11:00 am

Argentina will be hoping that making their 2022 World Cup debut at the futuristic venue that will host the final on 18 December, the Iconic Stadium in Lusail, will bode well. And indeed there are many, as confirmed by the poll promoted in our antepost odds article, who believe that this Albiceleste has what it takes to go all the way in the World Cup and win the cup that Buenos Aires has been missing since 1986, when Diego Armando Maradona lifted it into the sky in Mexico City. In reality Argentina are always among the possible favourites, given the large number of quality players they have, especially from the midfield upwards.

But this time Messi and his teammates – by the way, this will probably be the Pulce’s last World Cup – seem to have found a certain balance, both tactically and psychophysically. The victory in the Copa America 2020, a year and a half ago, has cemented the group, now more motivated than ever to reach a goal, that of climbing to the top of the world. Argentina arrive in Qatar on the back of a very long unbeaten streak, which began as far back as July 2019. Together with Brazil, they dominated the qualifiers, snatching the pass for the Middle East World Cup well in advance, and even in the latest friendlies they have scored clear-cut victories. The most recent came against the United Arab Emirates, who were thrashed 5-0, thanks in part to a brace from an unstoppable Di Maria, now recovered from injury.

The selection led by Lionel Scaloni is less unbalanced than in the past and can count on a very solid defence: they have not conceded a single goal in their last five matches. It is the big favourite in Group C, which also includes two mid-tier national teams such as Mexico and Poland, but is still within the Albiceleste’s reach. The opener, however, should not entail any risk. Saudi Arabia, although it has been preparing for the appointment for some time, is unlikely to avoid last place. In short, repeating the ‘miracle’ of USA ’94, when the Sons of the Desert reached the round of 16 for the first (and only) time, is almost impossible. The men coached by Frenchman Hervé Renard have played numerous friendlies since June, but have only won two out of ten. They leave something to be desired in ball possession, hardly ever finding the way of goal.

Argentina-Saudi Arabia: the latest line-up news

Renard, Saudi Arabia’s technical commissioner

In recent days it has been in the news that Messi has trained separately from the rest of the group, but against Saudi Arabia he should start on the 1′. Scaloni is thinking of an offensive trident formed by Lautaro Martinez and Di Maria in addition to the Psg phenomenon. A few hours before the opening match, Nico Gonzalez and Joaquin Correa have left the training camp: in their place, the coach has called up Angel Correa and Thiago Almada. Argentina will field a 4-3-3: Mac Allister, who has the edge over Papu Gomez, will play alongside Paredes and De Paul in the middle of the pitch, while former Udinese man Molina and Acuna will play in defence. In the middle will be Otamendi and the re-established Romero.

It will be Al-Buraikan’s turn to lead Saudi Arabia’s attack, after the exclusion for doping of Al-Muwallad, author of no less than 17 goals with his national team. Among the most dangerous is Al-Hilal’s experienced winger Al-Dawsari, who is likely to play on the left in Renard’s 4-2-3-1.

The prediction

There should be no surprises in this match, which Argentina are likely to secure without any major problems. Saudi Arabia scores sparingly, but on the other hand is very organised defensively. However, against the South American selection’s stellar attack, they will be able to do very little. Argentina are likely to win by at least two goals and at the same time keep their goal unbeaten.